Why Sen. Abba Moro re-introduced bill for an act to provide for establishment of Federal University if health Sciences, Otukpo

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, the Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo and for matter connected therewith, sponsored by Distinguished Senator Abba Moro, passed First Reading in 9th Senate.

The Bill, which is to formalize and regulate the operations and management of the University, was first sponsored by H.E., Distinguished Senator David Mark in the 8th Senate where it got overwhelming support of the Senators.

The Bill was subjected to public hearing in November 2017 and was lauded by scholars and professionals in medical field and the then Chairman, Senate Committee on TETFUND, asserting that it was a “done deal.”

The Bill, however, suffered a setback after its passage by the 8th Senate without the concurrence of the House of Representatives before the end of the 8th Assembly.

The way forward is to represent the Bill for the process to start all-over, which Comrade Senator Abba Moro has done on the floor of the Senate today, November 26.

The institution would among other things develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, post graduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in the field of medicine, biomedical engineering, scientific and allied professional discipline relating to heath resources.

The University if Health Sciences, Otukpo has among other the aim of producing socially mature persons with capacity not only to understand, use and adapt existing technologies in the health industry, but also to improve on those discipline and develop new ones, and to contribute to the scientific transformation of medical and other health practices in Nigeria.

However, it is worthy of note that President Muhammadu Buhari had, by fiat, hitherto approved the University.

Senator Abba Moro had during his campaign and inauguration promised to complete every uncompleted Bill or project embarked on by his predecessor, H.E. Senator Mark, and the Bill for an act to provide for the establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, and for matter connected therewith is one of such.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rally round Senator Moro as he consolidates on the achievements of his Predecessor to take Benue South to greater heights.

Ameh Comrade Godwin
SA (P&E) Media
26/11/2019